Navigating the Path to Public Accounting: Should Prestige Influence Your Master’s Degree Choice?

As I approach my graduation with a bachelor’s in Accounting from Western Governors University (WGU), I find myself at a crossroads in my educational journey. To qualify for the CPA, I need an additional 150 credit hours, and I’m weighing my options cautiously. Recent discussions in various forums have led me to question a piece of prevailing advice: does the prestige of your graduate institution really hold weight in the eyes of public Accounting firms once you’ve earned your CPA?

The Dilemma: WGU vs. Traditional Institutions

I am currently considering two options for my master’s program:

1. Staying at WGU: This appeal lies in its affordability and the familiarity I’ve built with the online, competency-based format.

2. Transferring to a Traditional Institution: A local state school or university program may provide a more conventional experience, but it comes at a higher financial and time investment.

Despite the growing acceptance of online education, I can’t shake the feeling that there may still be lingering biases against programs like WGU, especially those with unique grading systems such as pass/fail and an automatic 3.0 GPA. My concern is that this could potentially impact my attractiveness as a candidate for public accounting positions, especially with competitive firms.

Seeking Insights from the Community

I would greatly appreciate insights from those who have navigated the hiring landscape, whether you have been a candidate yourself or have experience as a hiring manager. Here are a few questions that have been on my mind:

• Do recruiters prioritize the name of the institution after one has obtained a CPA?
• Are there success stories of individuals from WGU who have secured positions in Big 4 or mid-tier accounting firms?
• Is the additional cost and time commitment of attending a more traditional program justified, considering my goals?

While conventional wisdom tends to favor the idea that having a CPA outweighs school prestige, I am becoming increasingly concerned that opting for WGU for my master’s might inadvertently limit my future opportunities in the field.

Your experiences, perspectives, and advice would be invaluable to someone in my situation. Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts!